Today I began my journey. When I got home today Eric and I headed to the gym. It was so easy I couldn’t believe it. As Eric drove us there I couldn’t help thinking, “This is so easy… why haven’t I been doing it for months?” I can tell you LAZINESS. For some reason I need to hold my hand to the fire when it comes to this whole exercising and eating better thing. Knowing that it’s on other  people’s radar helps me make sure I’m towing the line. It was really nice that Eric and I went together too. I’m so lucky to have such a supportive husband that gently kicks my but in gear when I need it.

Today I  ran 1.72 miles in about 22 minutes. It wasn’t wonderful. It wasn’t earth shattering.. but I did it. I have to say I’m really proud of myself and feel happy today because I started. I suppose to some they might think, “gosh, you didn’t go far”. To me this is a beginning, a baseline, a place to start. I would have loved to bust out and jog/run 5 miles but for me that’s not possible yet so I’ll take this little success and build on it. I think I’m going to try to get my endurance up so that I can run 5 miles by the time I head to Austin, TX in February to visit my friend Stephanie. I don’t want to embarrass myself if she asks to go running while I’m there. I’ve been thinking too that I’m going to try to run a 5K each month. I know there are a lot of them here in Portland. I found a TON at http://www.dailymile.com/events/search?q=Portland,+OR I just need to pick one each month and do it. Having that motivation and those mini-goals will help me stick to this.  I can’t wait to see what’s possible when I overcome my hangups and JUST DO IT!

I think I’ve told everyone I know that I’m working out, trying to get healthy, and yes…. loose some unwanted pounds. I’ve been walking with a couple people from work and attending WeightWatchers. Well I was doing really good before the trip to Victoria, BC. I haven’t been doing as well since I got back. I mean I haven’t gained, but I haven’t really been loosing much either. I know the month just started but I’m committed to getting back into the grove and back into the gym because, well, the more I work at it the more the weight will be removed.

Enter the cross-training elliptical machine at my gym.

I don’t know how many of you have seen this, I hadn’t until I joined my new gym. This elliptical kicks your tail. I mean between the walking and the arm thingy you’re never without something to do. I’ve been trying to get on this thing and just “rock it” and last night I did. I actually worked out on that machine for a full 60 minutes… at one time. By the time I was done it said I’ve burned 400 calories. Just think, if I do that for 10 days that’s a pound of loss.

So far I’ve lost a little over 15 pounds and I feel great! It’s so nice to be able to fit well into clothes. I’ve gotten lots of compliments from people too that I look good. That’s so nice and something I wouldn’t have expected with just a 15 pound loss so far. I’ve still got another 15 pounds or so left to go. I’m hoping I reach my goal weight before Thanksgiving and then maintain it so I make Lifetime member at WeightWatchers.

Garmin Connect – Activity Details for Training Day 1.

Today, after several days of procrastination I finally got back in the swing of things and went for a jog. I took the dogs because I have felt like a bad mom because I haven’t taken either dog for a walk for a while. For some that may not be a big deal but our back yard is small and no conducive to hosting dogs at play.

So today I took them with me. First let me say… MY DOGS are lazy. Well, Baylee is.  After we’d gone about a mile she was pittering out and I had to slow down for her. Not really my idea of a workout but good bonding time with the dogs.

I’m feeling great that I took them with me and that I went almost three miles today. I’m trying to get back in the saddle with exercise. I was doing really well before I left on vacation to Victoria, BC with my mom. Since I’ve been back.. well… I’ve been a slacker to say the least.

In other news, my weight continues to come off. Ok, last week I was sick so that may have helped. In any case, I’ve lost a little over 15 pounds so far and well on my way to my next recognition at WeightWatchers. My goal is to loose another 20 or so pounds. I know, some may think I don’t need to but if you knew what my weight was you’d be fine with that.  Let’s just say, I hide my weight well.  I’d love to say my weight is muscle, but it’s not. So I continue on the journey hoping that I’ll reach goal before the end of the year. I would love it if I hit goal before the end of 2009 and never look back.

Today was another great day! I got a lot done today around the house and errands. The best though was that I went to my training appointment and then did cardio again. I’ve been really trying to work out like crazy 4 days a week for sure. Today I ran for I don’t know how many miles and then walked fast. I was sweaty like crazy but you know, it’s funny, I used to hate to sweat and get all stinky. Now, I’m like ” I haven’t worked out if I haven’t had a good sweat.” Crazy!!

On another note, I’m not having a lot of luck finding a job right now. I’ve applied for a lot before Christmas and they seem to still be posted online but I haven’t heard from anyone about an interview or something. This being home is nuts.

In other news… today I mailed in my papers and filed for my business license. WOO HOO!!

I thought I should add to my post for today because, well, I’m pretty darn proud of myself. I’m really trying to eat better, work out and just get some of this weight off. I know today is only one day but I ate great!!!! No Carb w/o a protein and I even went to the gym. I didn’t really want to go. I’m good at planning for it and then chickening out at the last minute. Well, today I went and ran on the treadmill for 3 miles. I was so proud of myself. I think I’m going to set the goal for this month to run 3 miles 3-4 times a week, in addition to working out with my trainer. Next month I’ll make a new goal. I’m sort of thinking too of devising some simple, yet effective, incentive plan for myself. Something like 1 point for each hour I work out at the gym, 1 point for eating right for the day and then x points for some reward. I just need ti figure out the reward part.

Hummmm…….. camera lens?……Wacom writer?……. books?…… special treat?….

I just don’t know… Ideas?